Sunday, July 1, 2012

Tokyo fashion and the new the vibes of Omohara

Tokyo fashion and the new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku: the vibes of Omohara

Tokyo fashion and the new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku: the vibes of OmoharaSarah Deschamps, Michel Lebon and Lee Jay WalkerModern Tokyo Times
The new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku which is being dubbed
“Omohara” opened last month on the location of the former Gap store
which was iconic because of the prime location. This is good news for
fashion in this vibrant and internationally famous part of Tokyo.
Therefore, along with other famous fashion stores including Laforet
Harajuku and Omotesando Hills, this new entity will enhance the already
buzzing fashion scene of both districts.
Also, while the new original name of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku
is a little long the name itself does hit an important theme. This
applies to fusing the powerful names of Harajuku and Omotesando and
having a place which meets both. Given this, the Omohara dubbed name is
fitting because it highlights the interconnection and vibrancy of both
amazing districts.
The architecture of the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is iconic in
itself from the inside and this applies to layout, space, angles, views,
and so forth. Similarly, the Omotesando Hills shopping mall is also
extremely stunning when it comes to architecture, the angles being used
within the design, the lighting while shopping, and this is matched by
the amazing boutiques inside. The designs and space of both are
extremely different but collectively they are showing the buzzing nature
of Tokyo fashion whereby the environmental angle and architecture is
equally important.
Hiroshi Nakamura designed the new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku and
clearly he had a hefty burden weighing on him because of the prime
location and expectations. However, while the outside may not look
visually sparkling the same can’t be said for the layout and style
within the complex. Therefore, the new Omohara will not disappoint once
individuals delve within this stylish complex because you have many gems
which highlight the skills of the architect.
The name Omohara fits well with many Tokyoites who adore this trendy
part of Tokyo. After all, from the kawaii culture of Harajuku and
alternative fashion styles, to the backstreets of both districts where
the casual scene is powerful, it is clear that both districts interact
well. The other angle of high end fashion and internationally famous
boutiques in Omotesando means that the entire area is a hotbed of
different fashion vibes. This in itself means that Omohara can blend the
best of all these different fashion worlds by incorporating not only
the name, but a feeling that all co-exist and for this reason the name
is a winner – albeit, in its newly dubbed name of Omohara.
The Jingumae crossing, just like the crossing in Shibuya, is a place
which opens up the amazing fashion and cultural vibes of this part of
Tokyo. Therefore, the Jingumae crossing is where the districts of
Harajuku and Omotesando intersect and clearly this was a powerful motive
behind the name.
Fashion companies within Omohara include The Shel’tter Tokyo, Charms,
American Eagle Outfitters, Amo’s Style by Triumph, Tommy Hilfiger,
Cheek by Archives, Choosy Chu, Glam Baby, Flag, Goa, Humor Shop by
A-net, Minnetonka, Laboratory Work ReCurrent, Pink Trick, Rady, Rione
Doras, Juge ETTA, Loaves, Phoebe, Roomy’s, and Jewelna Rose. You also
have lifestyle stores and places to relax and enjoy a snack. On top of
this, the rooftop observatory is a gem and will attract people because
of the style and layout within such a vibrant part of Tokyo.
The green angle which can be found in the Omohara Forest part of the
shopping complex is a lovely idea. Therefore, the roof terrace will
entice individuals to enjoy the views on show and alternatively this
will enhance the shopping experience to another level. Trees dot the
area and with ample places to sit down it is clear that this will become
a thriving place to relax with friends or for individuals to refresh
themselves.
Another nice theme to Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku is that a
special event will take place at the start of each month on the first
Friday. This applies to highlighting the vibrant nature of art, fashion,
and other aspects, of both Harajuku and Omotesando. Music and other
areas will enhance these events and clearly each month will witness new
themes and this will keep the new complex fresh.
It must be stated that “the old guard” will be divided on the new
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku because the same happened when the
Omotesando Hills shopping mall was developed. This applies to
individuals fearing the commercialism of fashion in this vibrant part of
Tokyo. After all, Harajuku is internationally famous for kawaii culture
and other interesting areas related to Lolita and so forth. Therefore,
traditionalists worry that the “heart is being ripped out” of the area.
However, the Omohara street name is but one factor within the vibrant
districts of Harajuku and Omotesando. Providing the area adapts to the
current trends within the Tokyo fashion scene and maintains a real
freshness, based on architecture and other important features, the
entire district will preserve its energy. Given this, the Omohara is not
a threat to the street vibes of Harajuku because this applies to
internal factors related to the vibrancy of independent designers.
After all, providing the street vibes and independent designers of
the area remain fresh and relate to their client base and entice
newcomers, then they have nothing to fear. In this sense, the street
vibes along with mainstream fashion must always remain fresh. Also, the
area of Harajuku and Omotesando is sizeable for many trends to enhance
each other and the backstreets, which link up with Shibuya, are areas
which are awash with different styles.

Staleness is the real threat to any fashion district therefore the
new Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku, just like Omotesando Hills, will
provide a new angle to the delightful fashion vibes of both districts.
In this sense, the Omohara is part of the ongoing freshness of fashion
in this buzzing part of Tokyo. Therefore, the Omohara is a great concept
which highlights the vibrancy of both fashion districts which refuse to
remain static and stale.